217 pipe burst incidents recorded in Bryanston since April, says Johannesburg Water
Repeated pipe bursts in roads, including St Audley, Ballyclare, Bantry, Hobart and Westbourne, have sparked frustration among residents.
Frustration is growing among Bryanston residents as recurring water pipe bursts continue to disrupt the water supply across several streets, with Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford describing the situation as Groundhog Day.
Speaking during a recent site visit with the publication on St Audley Road, Shackelford said the area has experienced repeated infrastructure failures in recent weeks, with residents left without a consistent water supply for about 30 days.
Read more: Johannesburg Water defends Wendywood pipeline after repeated bursts
“We were just, not even a month ago, on Ballyclare Drive reporting the old infrastructure, Johannesburg Water infrastructure in Bryanston and the ongoing issues that we’ve been having,” she said. “This is another great example. I’m in St Audley Road. This is, I think, the fourth burst or repair since May 3.”
Shackelford added that nearby roads have experienced similar problems, including Westbourne Road, where she said four or five bursts had occurred since mid-April, while Bantry Road and Hobart Road had also experienced repeated leaks and repairs.
“The problem with this is that Bryanston and a lot of the residents in the area have been without constant water for 30 days, and each time it happens, there’s a pressure issue in the area. When JW turns the water back on, another burst comes.”
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She added that residents should use the City of Johannesburg’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) participation process to make their concerns known.
“We’re in the middle of putting our budgets together for this. I hope the residents participate in the City of Joburg’s IDP process and make their thoughts known about issues like this and what is important to them.
“Use your IDP. It’s your way to tell Joburg Water what you’re looking for, but Joburg Water needs to start focusing on the Bryanston areas and the old infrastructure. They need to come up with a plan.”
Resident Lucas Ntuli said, “The water issue is a big problem here in Bryanston. Two or three days do not pass without us having a pipe burst. Then, when they fix here, another pipe burst happens on another street. As I’m speaking, it’s been two days without water. I think Joburg Water needs to change the old pipes and put new ones because I believe these bursts are due to the ageing infrastructure.”
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed that 217 water pipe burst and repair incidents have been recorded in the Bryanston/Ward 103 area since April 2026, including duplicate reports.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackleford says Bryanston’s recurring pipe bursts have become a Groundhog Day situation, with ageing infrastructure causing repeated water disruptions across multiple streets and leaving residents without consistent supply for weeks. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Ward103 #Sandton ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“Johannesburg Water has submitted work requests for the replacement of ageing water pipes in the affected areas to address the recurring bursts,” Shabalala said.
“Johannesburg Water is aware that pressure surges following water restoration can contribute to repeat pipe failures. To mitigate this, air release procedures are implemented during the restoration process to reduce pressure build-up and help prevent re-bursts. These measures are currently proving effective.”
Responding to concerns about ageing infrastructure replacement or upgrade programme for ageing water pipes in Bryanston, she said, “This matter has been referred to the planning department for information regarding the infrastructure replacement and upgrade programme, including timelines and budget allocations.”
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